Herb Pope is leaving New Mexico State for Seton Hall, after all.
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"A decision has been made that Herb Pope will not play for the Aggies this upcoming season," NMSU coach Marvin Menzies said in a statement. "It is unfortunate things did not work out for Herb at NMSU, however, moving forward is best for all parties involved. We are building a program that will have chemistry and success, and in order to do that you must have development and continuity. We wish him well in the future both on and off the court."
This development puts an end to the recent roller-coaster ride the often-troubled Pope has given New Mexico State and its fans. The 6-foot-9 forward asked for a release last month and visited Seton Hall, but Menzies told CBSSports.com Friday morning that Pope had decided to return to NMSU.
End of drama, right?
Wrong.
Menzies announced Sunday that Pope will in fact leave.
A source told CBSSports.com late Monday that he will enroll at Seton Hall.
According to the source, Pope will ask the NCAA for a waiver to play immediately. But it's unclear whether the request will be heard by the start of the season and doubtful it would be granted even if it was, meaning the more likely scenario is that Pope will miss this season and then be eligible to play in the 2009-10 campaign (assuming he progresses academically and doesn't get into any off-the-court trouble) with three years of eligibility remaining.
Pope averaged 11.1 points and 6.8 rebounds last season at NMSU.
